In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Reasons for the Procedure

In vitro fertilization (IVF)
is used to treat couples who cannot become pregnant on their own and who have not had success with conventional medical infertility therapies or surgery.

Infertility
is a condition that impairs a couple’s ability to become pregnant. The condition affects about 6.1 million couples in the US, which is about 10% of the reproductive-age population. Infertility affects both men and women. Fortunately, 85% to 95% of cases of infertility can be treated with conventional medical therapies, such as fertility medicines or surgeries to repair reproductive organs.

Natural reproduction requires a complicated chain of events:

The man and woman must produce healthy sperm and healthy eggs.

The woman’s fallopian tubes must be functioning properly to allow the sperm to reach the egg.

The sperm must be healthy so that they can fertilize the egg when they meet.

The fertilized egg (embryo) must move down the fallopian tube to implant in the woman's uterus.

The embryo must be healthy to sustain the pregnancy.

Sufficient hormonal support by the mother must be present.

If one piece of that chain is not functioning properly, infertility can result. You should schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss your fertility if you:

Are under age 35 and have not been able to get pregnant after a year of unprotected sex timed to match ovulation

Are age 35 or older and have not been able to get pregnant after six months of unprotected sex timed to match ovulation

Have reason to believe you or your partner may have fertility problems, even before trying to get pregnant

A fertility consultation generally includes a physical examination of both partners. The exam will include questions about sexual habits to determine whether intercourse is taking place properly for conception. If no cause of infertility is determined, more specific tests are ordered, including:

Hormone tests

Basal body temperature and ovulation analyses

Ultrasound
and/or
x-rays
of the reproductive organs, dye may be injected into the uterus

In addition, advancing age is associated with declining fertility, especially in women. Fertility especially declines in women after age 35. Men, on the other hand, often remain fertile into their 60s and 70s, although advancing age can be associated with problems with the shape and movement of sperm.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.